Technical Designer – Senior CAD Drafter

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! 

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced CAD drafter/designer to apply their technical expertise, drawing discipline, and dedication to quality to the development of production and test tooling that builds rocket hardware and supports safe human spaceflight. You will own the model-and-drawing side of the tooling lifecycle — turning concept-level designs from the Tooling Engineering team into release-ready NX models, assemblies, and ASME Y14.5 drawings that make it through CN review the first time. Passion for our mission and vision is required.

Responsibilities:

Develop, modify, and release engineering models, assemblies, and drawings in Siemens NX for production, development, test, integration, and advanced manufacturing tooling supporting Blue Engines, Lunar, and New Glenn business units.

Generate detailed fabrication and assembly drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) and Blue Origin drafting standards.

Apply Model Based Definition (MBD) per ASME Y14.41 — embed PMI (GD&T, datums, notes, and finish callouts) directly on the NX model for programs and tools where MBD is the controlled deliverable, and produce reduced-content drawings derived from the MBD master.

Adhere to Blue Origin NX modeling conventions and Teamcenter / Windchill configuration management requirements; maintain product data and shepherd changes through the CN-controlled release process.

Detail a wide range of tooling: assembly fixtures, material handlers, rotisseries, test fixtures, structural weldments, environmental chambers, lifting and rigging hardware, and custom machines.

Perform model checks, drawing checks, and design-review participation to ensure conformance with applicable engineering, safety, and program standards before CN release.

Collaborate closely with tooling engineers, stress analysts, manufacturing engineers, and integration engineering to incorporate analysis-driven and build-driven design changes, and to capture interface, load-path, and rigging requirements on the face of the drawing.

Support vendor RFQs, fabrication, inspection, and proof-test packages by producing the deliverables those activities depend on (BOMs, weldment details, machined-part details, inspection drawings, as-built redlines).

Mentor junior drafters/designers on NX best practices, drawing standards, and BO-specific modeling and release conventions.

Qualifications:

7+ years of professional CAD modeling and drafting experience on mechanical hardware, tooling, or GSE.

Demonstrated proficiency in Siemens NX for parts, assemblies, weldments, and drawings — this is the primary daily tool of the role.

Strong working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) and the ability to apply it correctly to fabricated, machined, and welded tooling hardware.

Working experience with Model Based Definition (MBD) and PMI authoring in NX (or equivalent CAD), including familiarity with ASME Y14.41 and the trade-offs between fully-defined MBD models and reduced-content drawings.

Experience working within a formal configuration management / engineering change / release process (CN, ECO, ECN, or equivalent).

Solid grasp of common manufacturing materials, processes, and tolerance / stack-up analysis sufficient to produce manufacturable drawings without back-and-forth.

Desired:

CAD Modeling and Drafting in Creo and PDM in Windchill

Experience with Teamcenter PDM in a production environment, including workflow, revisioning, and BOM management.

Familiarity with PTC Creo and Windchill (Blue Origin operates both CAD/PDM stacks across business units).

Experience drafting structural weldments to AWS D1.1 / D17.1, including weld symbol literacy and weld-prep detailing.

Familiarity with ASME BTH-1, AISC, and the Aluminum Design Manual as they drive callouts on lifting and structural tooling drawings.

Experience detailing custom-machine elements: motors, actuators, linear rails, pneumatics, hydraulics, bearings, and the associated shafting and mounting hardware.

Background in DFM/DFA, including taking tooling from development through rate production.

Prior aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industry experience with tooling, GSE, or fixture programs.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.